The men were in possession of copper cable valued at around R5 000, and tools normally used in cable theft, Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago said.

“The EMPD anti-cable theft unit members patrolling the Germiston area this morning arrested two male suspects when they were found in possession of a freshly dug up copper cable and implements used for digging and cutting of cables.”

The pair was arrested at 1.30am. Two others ran away. The four had been seen digging a trench along the M2 freeway between Refinery Road and the footbridge.

“Two 3m and 7m copper cables, a hacksaw, a pick and a spade, were confiscated from the suspects.

The pair, aged 27 and 48, were charged with suspected theft of underground copper cable... They are expected to appear in the Germiston Magistrate's Court soon,” Kgasago said.